Help Will Heal – Emergency Surgery & Recovery Support

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$13,675 raised of $20K

Help Will Heal – Emergency Surgery & Recovery Support

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UPDATE: Will is finally home!! 
 After nearly a month in the hospital and 11 surgeries, he’s home and beginning the long recovery process. He’s still in a lot of pain and unable to return to work for the foreseeable future.  
We’re incredibly thankful for the support we’ve received—it’s helped carry us through an unbelievably difficult few weeks. As we move into this next phase, continued shares and donations are deeply appreciated. Thank you for being here with us. 
– Will, Rebeka & Nathaniel


On the morning of April 27, Will was rushed to the ER in unimaginable pain. His hand and forearm were so swollen they didn’t look human, and within an hour, he was taken into emergency surgery. The diagnosis was necrotizing fasciitis, a rare, aggressive, flesh-eating infection (caused by strep) that had already begun attacking his muscle and nerve tissue.

We were told that if we had waited even a few more hours, he could have lost his arm or his life.

Since that day, Will has undergone ten surgeries and has been hospitalized for nearly a month. His 11th surgery is scheduled for May 23. While he’s finally out of the ICU, he remains bedridden, in constant pain, and faces a long, difficult road ahead… physically, emotionally, and financially.

Will has always been the quiet type who shows up for everyone else. He’s generous, loyal, and steady in a crisis. He would never ask for help himself so I’m doing it for him.

This fundraiser will help cover:
• Extensive medical bills (many of which won’t be covered by insurance)
• Lost income while he recovers
• Travel, parking, and meals for family supporting him at the hospital
• Ongoing therapy and long-term care needs once he’s home

We don’t yet know what full recovery will look like, or how many more surgeries he’ll have to have, or when he’ll be able to come home. But we know it will take time, care, and community.

If you’re able to give or even just share this with others… it makes a real difference. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping us carry this.

With deep gratitude,
Rebeka

Organizer

Rebeka Gustafson
Organizer
Louisville, KY
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